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Monday, July 24, 2017

The Stuff of Family Life by Michelle Janning...Review & #Giveaway!

I just finished a fascinating book earlier this month that I have been looking forward to sharing with you. The Stuff of Family Life by Michelle Janning looks deep into our homes and lives and what we keep in them and studies what that means about us. It was so interesting! Here is the scoop...

In The Stuff of Family Life (Sociology Professor Michelle Janning offers a timely look at how modern society and technology shapes our relationships and our lives. Like an archaeologist studying ancient civilizations through the things they left behind, Janning excavates contemporary life through our houses and possessions, from childhood stuffed animals and security blankets to retirement homes and senior living centers.

What does where you store old love letters say about their significance? Why do adults feel out of place in their childhood bedrooms? Janning takes readers through the stages of life – from dating and marriage to parenting and aging – that are usually kept behind closed doors. From online valentines to the growing popularity of “man caves,” The Stuff of Family Life looks not only at what large demographic studies say about family dynamics but also what our lives—and the stuff in them—say about how we relate to each other.

Janning has joked, “I am not a sociologist who uses large national datasets to illustrate family life; I’m the sociologist who asks people to examine what’s in their underwear drawers and living rooms to tell stories about their family life.” Using amusing anecdotes, as well as drawing on pop culture, economics, interior design, gender studies and more, Janning combines the educational with the entertaining to make The Stuff of Family Life accessible to both casual readers and dedicated students of sociology.

My Thoughts: This book really was truly interesting. I have been on a "mini kick" of ridding my home of clutter (or at least thinking about it!) and this book helped me understand some of the "whys" about my stuff. If you are looking for a fun book that focuses on why we cherish (or not!) the things in our homes in our lives this is a wonderful summer read. You can pick up your copy today on Amazon....

Win It! I am thrilled to tell you that one lucky Reviewed by Mom reader will win a copy of The Stuff of Family Life by Michelle Jannings. Thanks so much to the sponsor and good luck!
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